Let’s talk wrinkles. We all have some type of wrinkle on our skin, but do we know what causes wrinkles, the different types, and most importantly how to diminish the appearance of them? According to the Fitzpatrick scale there are 3 classes of wrinkles: superficial wrinkles, fine-to-moderately deep wrinkles, and fine-to-deep wrinkles. The severity of the wrinkle will determine which treatment option is appropriate for you.

Mark Twain once said “Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been”. In that case we should all be delighted about our wrinkles right? We have earned our laugh lines, battle scars, and wisdom; but now I think we deserve a break for all of our hard work!

There is hope for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, sometimes just by minimally using effective products and/or procedures. You will want to look for products that contain active ingredients to resurface your skin while boosting collagen and elastin. You can start by using a mild exfoliant such as glycolic acid and a topical retinol such as the Skinceuticals Retinol. Ther’es a a .5% for sensitive skin and a 1% for more tolerant or problematic skin. This will help the appearance of uneven skin tone; improve wrinkles and texture while encouraging collagen production.

If your wrinkles are beyond laugh lines and are not as superficial as they were in your 20’s and 30’s you may want to look into alternative treatments to use in conjunction with your anti aging products. Procedures include microdermabrasion, IPL photofacials, injectables, or skin laser resurfacing. You will want to consult your dermatologist for your best treatment options available for your specific concerns.

The key to your success for fighting the signs of aging is prevention. You should limit your sun exposure at all times, and make sure you are always wearing a sunscreen with an SPF30 or higher. You will want to look for a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. UVA rays are the main culprits for premature aging on the skin because they penetrate more deeply, so make sure you are choosing a broad spectrum sunscreen. A good sunscreen to try is the La Roche Posay Anthelios 40 Sunscreen. Wearing a daily sunscreen will help to prevent breakdown on your skin while promoting a healthy glow. Aside from the sun, watch out for the other no no’s such as smoking, poor nutrition, and not hydrating your skin properly.

We are all going to age eventually, but we don’t necessarily need to look our age… right?